CONFIDENTIAL ·
-6-
Gi WATER HEATER SAFETY
Position
Line to Take
Five people died during a cold spell, February 28 - March 4. A campaign urging Government action has been conducted, prominently and almost exclusively, by the SCMP for one year. The death of a 13-year old Chinese girl on April 24 aroused the first real interest by the Chinese press, who called for speedy investigations and implementation of necessary safeguards and legislation. A coroner's inquiry into the 5 earlier deaths opened on May 25. Testimony by representatives of LPG, Towngas and Government Information Services (TV safety promotional film) showed up inadequacies in previous arrangements. Verdict of accidental death recorded in each case. In his recommendations the Coroner called on the companies to take all possible steps to improve on arrangements, on GIS to mount a gas safety campaign aimed at school children and consult experts in making public announcements, and on the mass media to highlight the importance of bathroom ventillation. He also suggested that the eventual report of the government's consultants be treated with the highest priority. The consultants' interim report was submitted in mid-June. The sections on gas water heater safety were published on July 21 in view of public interest and concern and a Gas Adviser is being recruited to oversee implementation of the consultants' final recommendations, expected in October. Although there was some criticism that it would be some years before control legislation could be enforced, the interim report was well received by the press. An informal meeting was held with Towngas and LPG industry representatives on August 20 to discuss mainly gas water heater safety measures. The first draft of the consultants' final report was received on September 2. It will be fully discussed within the government and with the consultants before it is finalised. Views of the LPG and gas industry will also be sought.
International consultants appointed by the Government in April are now undertaking an overall review of the local gas industry. While the subject of gas heaters will be given high priority, it is only a small part of the scope of investigative work involved. The Government is aware of potential problems involved and it is for this reason that the best consultative services available were sought. The Government is committed to making improvements, in terms of legislation and enforcement, where necessary but is equally concerned that this be done properly. GIS is complying with the Coroner's recommendations, and before legislative controls are introduced the Government is enlisting the co-operation of the gas and LPG companies.
DOMESTIC RENT CONTROL
Position
On July 8, LegCo passed a Bill extending security of tenure for post-war domestic premises for two years from 18.12.81 but relaxing control in two ways :
(i) raising the maximum permitted rent increase from 21 per cent
to 30 per cent biennially;
:
CONFIDENTIAL
17.
1
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